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I was looking at pics, and I could see that there were trucks w/o the rear bumper and that was how the tailgate would lay flat, it's just one of those interesting things to notice about 'how it was done' back then. Like the optional side view mirrors 'n such.
With the tailgate flat like that, looking at that makes me think, 'fold out step' from the inside of the tailgate like the Wagonaire had.

I was looking at pics, and I could see that there were trucks w/o the rear bumper and that was how the tailgate would lay flat, it's just one of those interesting things to notice about 'how it was done' back then. Like the optional side view mirrors 'n such.
With the tailgate flat like that, looking at that makes me think, 'fold out step' from the inside of the tailgate like the Wagonaire had.

Such a fold-out step was available for R and E series pickups as AC-1869. It could also be mounted on the outside of the bed, in front of the rear fender. I have one around here somewhere.

My Champ has a rear bumper that's designed to let the tail gate drop all the way down. DCP03737.JPG

Interesting, as many of that type as I have seen on Champs, and always wondered why you would not want the traditional STEP Bumper and the full width extended protection, but I never thought of the rare case where you are hauling sand or gravel and want to just dump it with the tail Gate down, that bumper is handy for that.

Yup,and would allow you too back up tight to a loading platform without the length of the gate in the way.

Originally Posted by StudeRich

Interesting, as many of that type as I have seen on Champs, and always wondered why you would not want the traditional STEP Bumper and the full width extended protection, but I never thought of the rare case where you are hauling sand or gravel and want to just dump it with the tail Gate down, that bumper is handy for that.

The only problem with that on the P2 box is that the gate is only a couple of inches from the ground. If you are backing up and pass a high spot, you'll fold the tailgate up. Likewise with the bed empty and loading something heavy, you might have the load partially supported by the tailgate. Just be careful.

Originally Posted by StudeRich

Interesting, as many of that type as I have seen on Champs, and always wondered why you would not want the traditional STEP Bumper and the full width extended protection, but I never thought of the rare case where you are hauling sand or gravel and want to just dump it with the tail Gate down, that bumper is handy for that.